UMVA has learned that a daring Tesla Cybertruck owner deliberately plunged his brand‑new vehicle into Grapevine Lake, testing the controversial “Wade Mode” feature with disastrous results.
Jimmy Jack McDaniel roared the electric beast down a boat ramp, confident the futuristic suspension would carry him through the water. Within moments, the truck’s hull buckled under the pressure, flooding its compartments and sinking beneath the surface.
Miraculously, McDaniel and his passenger escaped the sinking metal before it vanished completely, but the driver later told officers the submersion was a calculated experiment, not an accident.
Police arrested him on multiple charges, including operating a vehicle in a restricted park area, lacking a valid boat registration, and violating a litany of water‑safety regulations.
Authorities reminded the public that, while the Cybertruck’s design may suggest amphibious capability, Texas law treats such reckless forays as serious offenses, exposing drivers to hefty penalties.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Tesla’s “Wade Mode” claims the truck can wade through water up to roughly 800 mm (31 inches) deep, lifting the chassis to keep vital components dry.
The company’s own manual, however, warns that soft, muddy bottoms or swift currents can quickly turn a shallow splash into a sinking nightmare, and any water damage is expressly excluded from warranty coverage.
Experts say the incident underscores the thin line between cutting‑edge tech and hazardous bravado, urging owners to respect both the vehicle’s limits and local regulations before treating a lake like a test track.
